Q & A

Question

Answer

Where can I get more information about your sessions or book a session?

You can email me at janesehockman@gmail.com, or click the contact tab at the top of the page, fill out the required fields and hit send. I will return your message within 72 hours M-F 9:00a-5:00p. I will send you loads of information about every session you are inquiring about.

what is an all inclusive session collection?

Each session is all inclusive, meaning that the session fee, hair & makeup, travel, retouching, yearbook submission, digital images, archival prints & products are all included in one price. There is no longer a separate session fee and a required minimum print purchase. This is only to simplify the process without compromising on the quality or the experience.

is there a minimum print order requirement?

Nope. The price you see is the price you pay. No hidden fees, or surprise minimum orders.

Do I need to schedule another appointment to view my photos?

No, I no longer require an in person ordering appointment. I’ve decided to ease the process so you do not have to come all the way back up to my office after your session is complete. I do recommend an in-person or Zoom ordering appointment if you book all inclusive collections II or III.

how far will you travel for my portrait session?

I will travel anywhere within SLO County for free! There is a $.50/mile charge anywhere outside the county.

Do you offer digital images?

Yes, all inclusive collections include prints + digital images, and I also have new digital only collections available. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to share your photos on your favorite social media site, I got you covered;)

why are you so expensive?

Ha ha! I completely understand why you would feel this way. In this day and age everyone is a photographer and it seems super easy to just push a button, right?

Wrong, especially when you factor in the hidden time and professional equipment investments, most photographers don’t earn much more than your local hairdresser or accountant. While you may only see me for a couple of hours there was likely: Over an hour of planning the shoot + time traveling to the shoot + half an hour to set up the equipment + the actual 2+ hours at the shoot + time traveling back + time to upload and choose the best images + lots more time to edit the images + an hour to load the images online + an hour to order and deliver the prints, etc. On one senior session I probably spend a full 12+ hours on. Don’t forget I am an independent small business and pay (California+ FED) taxes, insurance, website & software subscriptions, continuing education through workshops, and accountant fees just to name a few.

When you hire a professional photographer, you’re getting an artist who knows just how to light the shot, how to pose, and how to set up the right composition. You’re getting a photograph that, because it was taken with a professional camera and not your smartphone, can be reprinted onto a large canvas. And because you hired an artist, you’ll actually want to. Trust me when I say, your friend’s brother’s uncle cannot produce this type of quality on his kit camera and lens. Nor would you want him to try.

Do you offer payment options/plans?

When you purchase a senior collection your payments are already split three ways, and due at three separate times. The first payment is due when you book your session. A second payment will be due to your hair and makeup stylist on the day of your session, if applicable. Your third payment is required in order to pick up/or have your your print folio delivered. Additional payment plans are not offered at this time.

can I upgrade my Session collection?

Absolutely! If you originally purchased a lower collection, you can always upgrade to a higher collection of your choice. However, you cannot down grade to a lower collection from a higher one.

how do I choose a location for my session?

We can go anywhere we have permission to be. I love it when clients have access to private ranches, estates, land, wineries, unique homes etc. but when you do not we have some of the most beautiful public landscapes in the world right here on our Central Coast. I know of many locations that we can go to and I will chat about that with you when you book your session.

What payment methods do you accept?

Cash, Check, Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, and Venmo. You can Venmo me @JaneseHockman using your Venmo balance, bank account or debit card only.
Why?
According to Venmo's website, sending money using Venmo comes with a standard 3% fee, but the company waives that expense when the transaction is funded with your Venmo balance, bank account or debit card. There is a 3% fee that is not waived for credit card payments.

can I bring anyone with me to my session?

YES!! Its so much more fun when you bring a friend or two or three! They can totally help you Insta-story the heck outta your session, fix your hair, hold your stuff, give you snacks, and laugh with us all the way through! Why not share this moment with your besties! If you don’t feel like bringing a friend, try a sister, or sibling…but at the very least please bring a parent! They so want to feel involved in this milestone with you, I mean come on…you are their pride and joy after all. In fact bring your parent, a sibling and a few friends...we’ll make a party out of it!
In all reality I do require you to bring at least one other person with you, so pick someone fun!

Can I add in a family session with my senior’s session?

I am a guy…can I still get my hair and makeup done?

Of course!! This is a perfect opportunity to bring the whole gang in for a few minutes to snag a family portrait or two. There is no extra fee or an obligation to purchase any photos from the family portrait session, However, you cannot combine your senior collection to include family portraits. Family portraits must/can be purchased separately.

Guy sessions can absolutely include hair and makeup if you choose. AND there is no judgement on your gender/sexuality preference. If you are a guy/trans I am happy to accommodate you and capture you all glammed up in a goddess gown, complete with hair and makeup for a gorgeous senior experience. If you just want hair done that’s awesome too, we can make it happen.